The first light of dawn spilled softly across the academy's grounds, bathing the corridors and courtyards in a gentle golden hue. For the first time in days, the atmosphere seemed calm, almost ordinary—a welcome contrast after the chaos of the previous weeks. Mia Ashford woke in her dormitory with a lightness she had not felt in what seemed like forever. The memory of being poisoned still lingered at the edges of her mind, but her body felt restored, her senses sharp, and her spirit cautiously uplifted. She took a deep breath, stretching slightly, and adjusted the sunlight spilling over her desk and books.
